Does my transmission need rebuilt?

Tiny
MOGWOLF
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD WINDSTAR
  • 64,000 MILES
The van was driven to a doctor appointment last week and when we came out, started the van and shifted into drive, nothing happened. This holds true for every gear including reverse. It is as though the vehicle only has park and neutral. I replaced the Range Sensor (also found it called the Neutral Safety Switch in the parts catalog). This didn't fix the problem. I'm wondering if a fluid flush and change would fix it or if I am committed to rebuild.
Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 AT 9:17 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
If the trans was fine one munute and not the next, chances are it doesn't need rebuilt. It could be related to a sensor, low trans fluid. As far as the flush, if the trans fluid is clean and full, that won't change anything. If the check engine light has come on, have the computer scanned to identify possible transmission trouble codes. Let me know what you find.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 AT 9:19 PM
Tiny
MOGWOLF
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for the quick reply. Unfortunately there is no trouble light and no code.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 AT 9:25 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
The only mechanical items that I can think of are the torque converter or the front pump. You need to remove one of the cooling lines at the radiator to see if the trans is still pumping fluid. If it isn't, one of those items are bad. Please remember, the fluid will shoot out if it is working. Wear old cloths, have eye protection. And capture the fluid in something like an old milk jug. If the pressure is very low or none, have the two items I mentioned checked.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 AT 9:28 PM
Tiny
MOGWOLF
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you very much! I will check it out and let you know.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 AT 9:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Glad to help. I look forward to hearing from you.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 AT 9:30 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Transmission Gear Position Sensor Content

Neutral Safety Switch Test
GUIDE
Neutral Safety Switch Test
The functionality of the neutral safety switch has changed greatly through the automotive development era, what was once a simple switch for the reverse lights and starter...
VIEW MORE